MY PRACTICE AREAS
Public Procurement
Commercial Litigation
Appeals
IN THE NEWS
Arizona Capitol Times: Three Entrepreneurs Find Their Niche at the State Capitol
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Kiersten found a real passion for the practice of law when, as a new lawyer, she discovered the dynamic and challenging aspects of public procurement and government contracting. Her practice has included work on a number of high-profile bid protest cases, as well as significant commercial litigation matters.
Kiersten provides top-notch legal counsel to clients who need help identifying and pursuing opportunities to do business with the government, and in managing bid protests. Kiersten not only has extensive experience navigating the myriad complex and specialized procurement and bid protest laws from start to finish, but also works closely with clients to proactively identity and pursue meaningful revenue-generating opportunities for their companies.
As a commercial litigator, Kiersten represents businesses and individuals pursuing or defending against a variety of civil lawsuits, including breach of contract claims, trade secrets, temporary restraining orders, and civil appeals, among other suits.
Kiersten‘s appellate practice in the state and federal courts includes assessing the merits of her client’s potential appeals, briefing important legal issues and arguing civil and criminal cases.
As part of her Native American Law practice, Kiersten has assisted in providing strategic legal advice to Native American Tribes, tribal organizations and affiliated entities, including matters regarding tribal sovereignty and tribal government. Prior to founding Henze Cook Murphy, Kiersten was a shareholder at Gallagher & Kennedy P.A., commencing her practice there in 2004. Previously, Kiersten was a law clerk for Arizona Supreme Court Justice Andrew Hurwitz.
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
Public Procurement
Representing an international master concessionaire in connection with a $650 million contract with the City of Phoenix’s procurement of food and beverage concession services at Sky Harbor Airport
Representing and defending the State in a challenge to the decision to award a multi-year contract to provide health insurance and related services to all State employees. The health insurance contract was one of the State’s largest contractual undertakings. Following a multi-week trial, the State fully prevailed in that case.
Representing and defending the State in a challenge to its decision to award ADHS’ behavioral Health Contract for Maricopa County.
Commercial Litigation & Appeals
Representing an international medical supply company in pursuing an abuse of process claim in federal district court. See “Jury Awards $11M to Former McKesson Rep,” Arizona Business Journal May 28, 2009.
Representing one of the world’s top boutique resorts, in a dispute with neighboring property owners over the resort’s operations. The trial resulted in a complete victory for the resort.
Representing a member of the Independent Redistricting Committee in connection with Arizona’s open meeting laws.
Representing data-breach victims in a class-action lawsuit filed against the Maricopa County Community College District.
Successfully arguing in the Arizona Court of Appeals for the reversal and remand of a jury verdict against Plaintiffs. See Beckett v. Sonoran Spine Center, P.C., No. 1 CA-CV-14-0041 (June 2, 2015).
Representing the President of the Navajo Nation, and successfully arguing before Native Nation courts to retain the President’s authority under separation of powers and Navajo law, and representing the President to ensure the legislative branch’s compliance with the Navajo Nation’s election laws.
EDUCATION
Arizona State University
J.D., summa cum laude, 2003
Order of the Coif
Pedrick Scholar
Editor, Law Journal
Northern Arizona University
B.A., B.S., summa cuma laude, 2000
BAR & COURT ADMISSIONS
Arizona, 2003
Arizona Supreme Court, 2003
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, 2005
U.S. District Court, District of Arizona
ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
State Bar of Arizona, Administrative Law Section, Chairperson-elect, 2015
State Bar of Arizona, Administrative Law Section, Executive Council, Member-at-large, 2013
State Bar of Arizona, Administrative Law Section, Member
HONORS & AWARDS
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
John S. Armstrong Award, 2003
International Academy of Trial Lawyers Award, 2003
Highest Score, State Bar of Arizona, Bar Exam, July, 2003
Editor, Arizona Law Journal, Arizona Supreme Court Review
COMMUNITY & PHILANTHROPY
Shepherd of the Hills Charitable Foundation, Board Member, (2010 to present)
ICM Food & Clothing bank, Board Member, (2009-2013)
PUBLISHED WORKS
Procurement Law at a Glance: Guidelines for Avoiding Common Procurement Pitfalls, July 26, 2011